WORKPLACE HARASSMENT - Key Persons


Aalya Ahmad

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Aalya Ahmad Member
Aalya Ahmad, Ph.D., is a university lecturer, published author and scholar, advocate, political essayist and researcher, with significant lived experience and expertise in the areas of human rights, workplace bullying, labour relations, communications, and narrative storytelling. Dr. Ahmad is a tireless human rights defender and a champion for trauma-informed workplace restoration. She has developed and facilitated workshops on mental health and workplace bullying, among other topics. Dr. Ahmad is currently working on a memoir analyzing her own and others' experiences of bullying in the labour movement. Dr. Ahmad has also taught and published as an adjunct professor in the humanities and social sciences. She has a particular interest in addressing workplace bullying in the non-profit and social justice sectors, and is a creative and inspiring speaker.

Catherine L. Phillips

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Assistant Clinical Professor
  • Member Catherine L. Phillips Is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Alberta. MORE .
Catherine L. Phillips is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta. She is a senior teacher trainer of Mindfulness Based Programs, has contributed to publications and international work in this field, and pioneered the integration of mindfulness into clinical practice in Western Canada through her organization developed in 2009- The Mindfulness Institute.ca. She is a psychotherapy supervisor, has taught and offered seminars, courses and workshops at the University of Alberta and Canadian Psychiatric Association Annual Conference, and has been an invited speaker, workshop leader, and mindfulness teacher across Canada. For almost 17 years Catherine worked as Consultant Psychiatrist at Edmonton Health Services Clinic (EHSC), Edmonton Garrison, Department of National Defense, where she witnessed and directly experienced Canadian military culture. Her resulting professional and personal moral distress led to her co-developing the first EHSC Ethics Committee, which she co-chaired 2017 - 2020. Catherine's unique combination of backgrounds in Psychiatry, Trauma, Psychotherapies, Mindful Meditation/Programs, Interpersonal and Systems Dynamics, combined with her observations and experience of workplace bullying, harassment, and mobbing within one of the most highly publicized cultures in Canada- the Department of National Defence - offer a highly specialized, unique and indepth perspective from which to assess and work with individuals and organizations towards psychological safety in the workplace. Catherine L. Phillips is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Alberta.

Collin May

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Collin May Member
Collin May is a lawyer in Calgary, Alberta, and an Adjunct Lecturer in Community Health Sciences with the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Collin's academic and legal interests focus on secondary trauma resulting from poorly managed or unfair complaints and investigation processes in healthcare settings and in the workplace generally. Collin has presented to generalist and academic audiences on patient-centred care and medical and legal responses to adverse events in healthcare. He is especially interested in the impact of adverse health events and complaints procedures on Indigenous and elderly communities. Collin has served on several boards and tribunals including: the federal Judicial Advisory Committee for the Province of Alberta, the Board of Farm Credit Canada, the Provincial Council of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta, and as a Commissioner and Chief with the Alberta Human Rights Commission and Tribunals. Collin has also served on two Law Society of Alberta committees.

Gail Anne Daoust

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Gail Anne Daoust Member
Gail Anne Daoust possesses a plethora of expertise in operations, corporate event planning and human resources which includes managing the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) self-identification modernization project in support of the Employment Equity Act, repatriation of Nova Scotians to address the ‘brain drain' as well as leading two of the largest temporary staffing initiatives in Canada, JDS Uniphase, and EDS. Her passion and drive remain within the diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), accessibility and anti-harassment scope. Gail obtained certification in DEI from Cornell as well as Women's studies at Sprott School of Business. Gail was awarded several medals and accolades in HR innovation, leadership, and philanthropy. Gail's greatest attributes are her positive and fearless attitude, creative and powerful mind, undeniable generosity, and most important, the desire to challenge the status quo! Born and raised in Montréal, Québec, she is the proud parent of two children and a grandson and currently lives in Ottawa. Gail's upbringing has always been the basic teachings of equity, inclusion and bullying and later in life diversity due to multiculturalism in her personal life. Gail is community-driven and lends much of her spare time to national and international not-for-profit organizations. She has sat on several not-for-profit boards including the municipal council. Joining The Canadian Institute of Workplace Harassment and Bullying BOD is in sync with every aspect of Gail's professional and personal life. It forms part of her purpose to seek fairness & justice for those who may not have a voice. There is similarity and a definite crossover with her background in DEI and as a harassment advisor.

Gail Nowlan

Job Titles:
  • MEMBER of the BOARD
  • Gail Nowlan Member

Kelly Beaudoin

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Communications and Operations Specialist
Kelly Beaudoin Member Kelly is a communications and operations specialist with over 20 years' experience in the field of Mental Health Support and Employee Assistance Programs. MORE ...

Kimberley Karstunen

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
Kimberley is an advocate for people with disabilities and personally acquainted with the challenges they face due to her own hearing loss. She fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment to heal workplace bullying. With a background as a skating coach for twelve years, she has witnessed the growth and empowerment of individuals while overcoming her own obstacles. Backpacking through approximately 20 countries, Kimberley's love for diverse people, ideas, and cultures has blossomed. Motivated by her personal experiences, she founded her own company, Takle, a startup aimed at preventing others from enduring similar hardships. Kimberley's professionalism, sincerity, care, and jovial spirit uplifts and empowers those around her.

Linda Crockett - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Chairman of the BOARD
  • Linda Crockett Chair
Linda Crockett, MSW, RSW, SEP, CCPA, is an esteemed pioneer in workplace harassment, bullying, and violence, renowned for her groundbreaking initiatives in Canada. With a career spanning 37 years in social work, including 13 years as a global psychological safety expert, Linda has consistently demonstrated her unwavering commitment to fostering safe and respectful work environments. As the driving force behind the first and only full-service workplace harassment, bullying, and violence resource center in Canada, Linda has been at the forefront of creating positive change within organizations nationwide. Her visionary leadership has not only elevated awareness but has also catalyzed meaningful action against workplace mistreatment. One of Linda's most remarkable accomplishments is her instrumental role spearheading the regional and national workplace bullying awareness week, garnering active government leader endorsements since 2010. Her tireless advocacy and dedication have resulted in transformative shifts in policy, culture, and awareness surrounding workplace issues. Linda's academic journey culminated in a master's degree in workplace bullying, making her an expert in the field. She possesses a diverse set of certifications, including somatic experiencing trauma therapy, Prolonged Exposure to PTSD therapy, and ongoing studies in EMDR and Biofield Tuning Therapy. Her commitment to professional development and continuous learning demonstrates her unwavering dedication to her craft. As an alumna and colleague of Dr. Gary Namie, the esteemed founder of the USA Workplace Bullying Institute, Linda has solidified her reputation as a respected authority in her field. She has shared her expertise at conferences in the United States and across Canada, leaving an indelible mark on workplace safety discourse. Linda offers extensive services tailored to professionals and industries of all kinds. Her offerings include trauma-informed consultations, leadership coaching, and comprehensive training. Additionally, Linda operates a specialized repair and recovery clinic, providing a confidential, nonjudgmental sanctuary for complainants, witnesses, and respondents to receive the support, education, training, advocacy, coaching, and treatment they need to heal from psychological injuries. With her extensive experience working closely with Indigenous workplaces and communities, Linda has earned a reputation for her culturally sensitive approach and deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Indigenous individuals and organizations. Her commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and cultural competence shines through in her work. Linda is also highly regarded for her customized training programs tailored to first responders and various professionals, including leaders, investigators, therapists, and insurance professionals. She designs training programs that equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to address workplace harassment, bullying, and violence effectively. In her relentless pursuit of excellence, Linda continually identifies gaps in services and knowledge within workplace systems, offering innovative solutions to bridge those divides. Her work has created a global network of resources, strengthening the collective efforts to eradicate workplace harassment and bullying. Linda's overarching mission is prevention, early intervention, and appropriate intervention strategies to halt the cycle of harm in workplaces. Her vision extends beyond borders, making her a catalyst for change on a worldwide scale. You can also find her research contributions on Google Scholar, where she continues to contribute to the field of workplace psychology and safety. Linda Crockett is not just a professional but a force for transformation, driving the conversation towards safer and more inclusive workplaces for all.

Sherry Benson Podolchuck

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Podolchuck Member a Retired Police Officer With Canada 's National Police Force, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. She Has Published 3 Books . MORE .
A retired police officer with Canada's National police force, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Sherry has published 3 books, first on titled WOMEN NOT WANTED. This about her 20-year career and how she dealt with workplace conflict, bullying, and sexual harassment. Sherry has a BA in Conflict Resolution Studies, and since retiring works as a professional educator, and consultant, focusing on workplace conflict and helping others 'find their voice'.

Stephanie Lanteigne

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Occupational Health & Safety Advisor
  • Stephanie Lanteigne Member
Stephanie Lanteigne is an Occupational Health & Safety Advisor specializing in trauma-informed investigations and training. She has 16 years' experience working across many different industries allover western Canada. Stephanie has witnessed and experienced her share of workplace harassment and bullying over the years which brought her to Linda Crockett and her organization. She has been involved with The Canadian Institute of Workplace Bullying Resources (for profit) founded by Linda Crockett, since 2020. To help create positive changes Stephanie had since become part of the not for profit board called the Canadian Institute of tWorkplace Harassment and Violence (CIWHV). Stephanie has focused the last few yeas of her career on workplace harassment & bullying investigations, psychological safety, and mental health in the workplace. She is driven to be a change in the industrial sectors. Stephanie is originally from the East Coast of Canada but has called Alberta her home since 2006. When she is not working she enjoys being with her friends and family. Gail Anne Daoust Member Gail Anne Daoust possesses a plethora of expertise in operations, corporate event planning and human resources. Tryna Ames Member Tryna brings to the table 13+ years of combined management, training, and hands-on experience in trades and technology.

Terrance Sereda - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • MEMBER of the BOARD
  • Terrance Sereda Chair
Chair Board Member Terrance Sereda participated in a support role for the Alberta Bullying Research, Resources & Recovery Centre Inc. (ABRC, founded by Linda Crockett) since February of 2014. In that time, he has read extensively about the phenomemnon of workplace bullying and posted seven articles on various topics on workplace bullying, see personal web site "Terry Sereda wordpress". Additionally he has done an independent academic study on the mechanisms of moral disengagement and subsequently published a book entitled "Mapping Workplace Bullying Behaviours to Moral Disengagement", which posits how perpetrators of workplace bullying justify their inhumane behaviour.

Terrence Sereda - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Member of the Board

Wendy Bigcharles-Gaucher

Job Titles:
  • MEMBER of the BOARD
  • Member Wendy Bigcharles - Gaucher Has Been Collaborating With CIWHV in Advocacy
Gail Nowlan Member Gail Nowlan is committed to people centred leadership, continual learning, and excellence. Terrance Sereda Chair Terrance Sereda participated in a support role for the ABRC since February of 2014. Collin May Member Collin May is a lawyer and an Adjunct Lecturer in Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary. Kimberley Karstunen Member Kimberley Karstunen is an advocate for people with disabilities and personally acquainted with the challenges they face.

Wil Kunyk

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
Wil Kunyk (pronouns They/Them) is an influential and proactive professional with 16+ years of progressive leadership experience within the non-profit sector.